President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe undertook a 520km road journey to Mutare on Friday, opting for a road trip over helicopter travel due to inclement weather. This journey comes on the heels of a fatal helicopter crash near Marondera that claimed the life of his friend and political ally, businessman Wicknell Chivayo, along with four others. Mnangagwa's trip was for a graduation ceremony at Manicaland State University, where he was the guest of honour.
The decision to travel by road was confirmed by Presidential spokesman George Charamba, who cited "murky weather" as the reason for grounding helicopter travel. Charamba noted that the weather conditions posed significant challenges to air travel, except for fixed-wing aircraft. Typically, Mnangagwa uses a helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft for travel between Harare and Mutare, but the current weather necessitated a change in plans.
The fatal helicopter crash that claimed Chivayo's life occurred on Wednesday near Marondera. The aircraft, a Bell 430 helicopter, was carrying Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke, her aide Senelisiwe Magagula, and pilots Kelvin Tafirei Soda and Courage Mutavirwa. Preliminary observations from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe indicated that fuel spilled when the helicopter struck the ground, causing a fire.
Although the cause of the crash has not been established, accounts from individuals connected to a second helicopter travelling along the same route suggested that Chivayo's aircraft encountered poor visibility and cloud before communication was lost. Mnangagwa, after attending the graduation ceremony, visited Chivayo's family residence in Gletwin, Harare, where he offered his condolences to the bereaved family and described Chivayo as a personal friend.
During his visit to the Chivayo family, Mnangagwa expressed his grief, stating, "This is God's doing and his will. I'm hurt. I'm the President, but he was my friend." Following his visit, Mnangagwa granted Chivayo provincial hero status, making him eligible for a state-assisted funeral. Chivayo was known for his close relationship with Mnangagwa, frequently referring to the President as his mentor.
Chivayo was also a prominent financial supporter of Zanu PF, regularly donating vehicles and other resources to individuals and organisations associated with the ruling party. His contributions to the party and his association with Mnangagwa underscored his influence in Zimbabwean politics and society. The nation continues to mourn his loss, with many reflecting on his contributions.
As Zimbabwe mourns the loss of Wicknell Chivayo, the incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with air travel in adverse weather conditions. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with authorities working to establish the cause of the tragic accident. Mnangagwa's decision to travel by road to Mutare highlights the challenges posed by the current weather conditions in Zimbabwe.
Key points
- President Emmerson Mnangagwa travelled 520km by road to Mutare due to poor weather.
- The decision was made after a fatal helicopter crash near Marondera killed Wicknell Chivayo and four others.
- Mnangagwa granted Chivayo provincial hero status and visited his family to offer condolences.
